A report by an industry analyst suggests a framework could be reached within weeks for a new 10-year softwood lumber agreement between Canada and the United States.

Hamir Patel of CIBC World Markets cites discussions with unnamed trade contacts in his report.

He said a deal setting quotas on Canadian softwood exports could be acceptable to the Americans if Canada drops several demands, such as requesting New Brunswick be excluded from any restrictions.

Patel’s report said there’s a greater than 50 per cent probability that the two sides could announce an agreed-upon framework by the end of August.

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AREA CHARRED BY WILDFIRES GROWS AS CREWS SURVEY DAMAGE

The BC Wildlife Service has more than doubled its estimate of the total area charred by wildfires to 1,110-square kilometres since the start of the season.

Chief information officer Kevin Skrepnek said previous mapping efforts had been hampered by heavy smoke from fires currently burning in the southern and central Interior, but improved conditions Thursday have permitted more accurate assessment of the fires.

More than 16,000 people remain out of their homes while thousands more are on evacuation alert.

Due to the danger of further fires, the province has closed recreational sites, such as campsites and trails, in the Cariboo fire centre, which covers most of the centre of the province and has asked people to stay out of the backcountry.

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WILDFIRES CLOSE COURTHOUSES IN AFFECTED COMMUNITIES

Provincial courthouses in Williams Lake and 100 Mile House remain closed due to continuing wildfire activity in the B.C. Interior.

Officials said matters scheduled for either of the courthouses are being adjourned to a later date.

People who are scheduled for an appearance are advised to contact the Judicial Case Manager.

Updates on the situation can be found on the Provincial Court website.

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B.C.’S PREMIER-DESIGNATE VISITS WILDFIRE-AFFECTED COMMUNITIES

B.C.’s premier-designate was back in the central Interior Thursday, for another look at the wildfires that are now estimated to have burned more than 1,100-square kilometres of trees and bush across the province.

NDP Leader John Horgan said he will take a flight over fires burning in the Cariboo region, where thousands have been evacuated around 100 Mile House, Williams Lake and Quesnel.

It’s Horgan’s second visit to the fire lines in less than a week.

He met with evacuees and wildfire officials in Kamloops on Sunday and promised that, if required, he would add to the $100-million in wildfire relief already promised by outgoing Premier Christy Clark.

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CELLPHONE, CROSSING SYSTEM CAUSED CRASH: TSB

All ambulance drivers now get training on how to use railway crossings and their performance is better monitored, BC Emergency Health Services said.

The comments from executive vice president Linda Lupini follow a Transportation Safety Board report on a 2015 crash involving a train and ambulance in Langley.

The report said cellphone distraction and confusion over a complex railway crossing caused the crash during the transfer of an 87-year-old patient, who later died.

Lupini said the ambulance driver was using a hands-free cellphone but it’s now policy that no cellphones can be used — hands-free or otherwise — when with a patient.

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CLEAN UP UNDERWAY FOLLOWING OKANAGAN LAKE FLOODING

Officials said barges are being used to continue removing debris from the shores of lakes in the Central Okanagan region.

The debris includes unclaimed broken docks, unregistered boats, garbage and barrels, along with large trees or stumps.

Damaged docks and pilings that are still in place are the responsibility of the property owner.

Officials said any debris that residents do not want removed should be clearly marked so crews know to leave it behind, such as sections of dock that residents are hoping to repair.